Dow Logs 4-Day Win Streak; Apple Slips

Stocks ended slightly higher across the board in narrow trading Monday, with the Dow logging a four-day rally, but gains were limited as investors remained reluctant to jump in amid ongoing "fiscal cliff" negotiations.

The S&P 500 squeezed out a gain of 0.48 points, or 0.03 percent, to finish at 1,418.55. The Nasdaq rose 8.92 points, or 0.30 percent, to close at 2,986.96. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, traded above 16.

CNBC's John Harwood provides a preview of President Obama's plan to raise taxes on the rich, with CNBC's Eamon Javers. And, a look at where investors can place their money if a "cliff" deal is done, with Michael Yoshikami, Destination Wealth Management CEO.

"The narrow trading range of 1,386 to 1,433 on the S&P is still intact and very well known to most observers," wrote Elliot Spar, market strategist at Stifel Nicolaus. "A breakout out on the upside on a cliff deal could take the S&P back up to the early-year high at 1,474 (This assumes the rally lasts for more than two days). Then reality will set in: It's still an economy growing at 2 percent and higher taxes and lower government spending are drags on growth not upside catalysts."

President Obama spoke to workers at the Daimler plant in Detroit, saying he opposes the proposed "right to work" laws in MIchigan, criticizing a measure that would prevent requiring non-union employees to financially support unions at their workplace.

With no major economic reports, investors continued to watch for clues from both Democrats and Republicans on the progress of the "fiscal cliff."

"I think we can handle even going over the cliff—but I don't think we can go on much beyond mid-January," said Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management. "If we do, that will get more detrimental to markets, confidence and could really change forecasts for the year. But I'm with the assumption that they're going to have some agreement, and on that basis, if there's extreme volatility toward December 31 on the downside, that's a buying opportunity."

Trading Apple's Rotten Run

Taking a closer look at Barnes & Noble, with the FMHR traders; and how to trade Apple's recent selloff, with Doug Kass, Seabreeze Partners founder and president; and Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti says he will resign once the country's 2013 budget is passed, with CNBC's Carolin Roth.

Priceline.com slumped to lead the S&P 500 laggards after Deutsche Bank cut its rating on the travel website to "hold" from "buy" and lowered its price target to $710 from $800.

Among earnings, Teavana is scheduled to post earnings after the closing bell. The specialty tea retailer was recently acquired by coffeehouse giant Starbucks.

Over the weekend, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti announced he will resign after Italy's 2013 budget is approved. Monti's announcement came shortly after the party of former Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, withdrew its support for Monti's technocratic government.